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PROFESSIONAL STYLING ADVICE: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A ZOOM CALL?
I wanted to share some tips to help you feel ready and prepared for whatever video call software you use, to help you feel confident, professional, and comfortable too!
What should I wear for Zoom calls & video calls? A question I am getting asked by so many entrepreneurs who have had to shift their way of working throughout the current changing business climate. Now, conference calls and video calls arenāt a new thing, many of my clients started working with me after having a video call 121 or virtual coffee, but now we have to completely transform the way we are meeting with new and current clients, this can be a new thing for many of us to take on. We are living most days in comfortable clothes as much as possible, especially as parents, so we need to swap quickly for a video call, to feel professional and suited for these meetings. But how can we feel as confident for these meetings as possible?
I wanted to share some tips to help you feel ready and prepared for whatever video call software you use, to help you feel confident, professional, and comfortable too!
Think about your make-up
One thing that we can start to see in difference to meeting in person is that video calls seem to pick up different colourings. Nothing is more noticeable on this than how makeup makes a huge difference to how we see ourselves in the speaker view! It also helps to brighten up our look through the camera.
One thing to remember is that more makeup is often best, as your lighting and video quality may mean that the 5-minute make-up look you are used to using doesnāt show quite as well over the camera as it does in person! I recommend adding foundation, add a yellowish concealer for dark circles, if you have them, and some bright blush to help to highlight your features, and if you are feeling especially dedicated, some lipstick in a shade that feels comfortable, or some eye shadow can be a great way to boost your confidence. I co-hosted a video on make-up & styling during lockdown with professional make-up artist, Claire Bowring, which you can view here for more make-up tips.
A little tip for your lighting ā donāt sit or stand directly under an overhead light. Opt for the room with the most natural light such as your living room. I recommend having your video meeting set up in front of the windows, but with the camera facing away from the window, so the light brightens your face, without casting a shadow!
Hair ideas for zoom calls
Yes, we are all missing our wonderful hairdressers, and it may now feel like a bit of a strain to go all out and blow dry our hair each and every time we have a call planned for the day ahead! I love using different options to make sure I am not having to damage and wash my hair every day, so things like hair scarves, headbands, hair clips, and even just a bit of dry shampoo can do wonders. For more tips on styling your hair, I co-hosted a webinar with hairstylist, Angela Lenci, which you can watch here!
If you have medium to long length hair, now is a great time to practice your French plaiting! There are also options such as pony tails, twists, and many more inspirations.
For shorter cuts ā you can embrace the hair wax, and dry shampoo to help jazz up the bed head look to a āmessy professional hairā look!
Outfit ideas for zoom calls
Now to my favourite part ā what outfit options could work well for zoom calls and meetings?
Remember, itās all about the top half of your body, so you can be in your pyjama bottoms without anyone knowing (as long as you donāt get up to go and get a drink!). At the same time, itās true that half of the outfit makes half the job in your self-confidence, so if you can, try to dress up nicely from head to toe. I personally like to wear my jogging bottoms or my yoga pants as they just mean as a mum I have the comfort and the ability to pick up my son or have a mini workout between calls without getting flustered. You can plan ahead with your swaps, using some time-saving tips in this article.
Here are some ideas:
A clean, sharp, white shirt or blouse (depending on your style) ā a classic! This works wonders for looking professional and on-trend, without feeling overly dressed up.
A turtleneckā great for comfort, and timeless style. You just canāt go wrong with a turtleneck if you want to feel comfy and professional. Consider putting your hair up in a ponytail as this can help style up your look.
Wear a colourful shirt! Now is the time to increase your positive mindset with some colourful pieces in your wardrobe! Colour can truly make a huge difference to your mindset, so why not go into your summer wardrobe now and get out those holiday-ready shirts and tops. I love a silk blouse as it adds a professional edge to your colour too, just remember to iron it as cameras can pick up every crease.
A fun t-shirt ā if your meeting isnāt with a new client, or your just want to be a little more relaxed, a slogan t-shirt can make a fun and personality filled first impression. Add earrings or upgrade your make-up styling to add a little more professionalism should you need it, to balance out the relaxed vibe of your tee.
Remember ā you are not alone in feeling concerned, tired, or frustrated about the times we are in at the moment. Take time out to yourself so you can recuperate your energy, as I feel that video calls for some reason, although we are not commuting to meet with others, can feel more draining that those we have in person. If you would like a weekly dose of positivity tips to your inbox, Iād love to invite you to join my newsletter, which comes out each Friday with some helpful and quick ways to input some positive vibes into your week.
PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: HOW COLOUR CAN HELP YOU LOOK AND FEEL GOOD (during the lockdown)
During the lockdown we have been having to, in some cases, completely transform the way we are working, particularly as mumpreneurs. Our business lives are being swamped with online video calls, our kids are with us, and often our partners are also with us. To add to this, an overwhelming amount of emotions we seem to be going through, from highs from being able to spend more hours with our loved ones, to lows where we feel almost trapped within our own homes. I wanted to share a few tips to help build your positive mindset and confidence using something as simple as colour!
During the lockdown we have been having to, in some cases, completely transform the way we are working, particularly as mumpreneurs. Our business lives are being swamped with online video calls, our kids are with us, and often our partners are also with us. To add to this, an overwhelming amount of emotions we seem to be going through, from highs from being able to spend more hours with our loved ones, to lows where we feel almost trapped within our own homes. I wanted to share a few tips to help build your positive mindset and confidence using something as simple as colour!
What effect can colour have on our mindset?
Psychologists and marketers have poured countless hours into researching what colours can do to affect the mind, and this is only a small summary of some of the research I have found, particularly focusing on the colours themselves. Colours can greatly affect our moods, but also how people respond to us, with research by Keith Jacobs and Frank Hustmyer in 1974 finding that our heart rate, blood pressure, and even respiration, can be changed just by the colours we see.
Knowing these basic elements to the ways people respond to certain colours could help you potentially reach for the colours you love, and consider how theyāre making you feel. It could also help you if you want to have a specific mindset, or response by others to your outfit, whether another colour may be great to addition.
Blue ā how does this colour affect my mindset?
Blue, a colour I love to wear, and Pantoneās 2020 colour of the year, apparently encourages people to feel loyalty, stability, and tranquillity. It can help when you feel you need to bring some grounding to your life, as it can evoke feelings of truth, and according to psychologists is the most stable colour to wear. Blue can be a tricky colour to wear, so consider your skin tone and think about which type of blues can work best for you to help you feel confident, and bring some of the tranquillity you may be craving at these times to your day.
This blue, soft denim jumpsuit from Warehouse is something I love to wear as it works perfectly with my skin tone, has a belt to draw me in at the waist, but is still comfortable enough to wear when taking my child to the park. It also is professional enough for client calls!
How can Yellow affect my mood?
Yellow ā a beautiful, happy colour, and one I canāt write without bringing a smile to my face, and I am sure many other people feel the same. This is a colour which brings happiness, optimism, and can bring joy to your outfit. However, it can apparently also bring about a feeling of unstableness as itās such a bright colour it can be tricky to have an all over outfit in just this shade, and can be over-energising for the workplace. If youāre working from home, however, it can be a great colour to jump to if you need to pump up your energy!
This is another colour which can be tricky for some skin tones, so I recommend having a colour consultation or putting different shades near your face to see which hues brighten you, rather than drain you.
In this wonderful outfit, you can see how blue and yellow have been brought together, to add the stabilising effect that blue can have on yellow. Then paired with a simple black skirt, but bringing the yellow pop in the shoes helps to bring the whole outfit together. I love that it can be appropriate for work and I truly see how yellow can bring brightness and joy to an outfit. If you are conscious of wearing yellow in this way, Iād recommend trying a yellow bag to add to your more toned down look, or perhaps yellow shoes for a little pop of fun colour!
Green and its effect on mindset
Now green is an interesting colour to wear! It is associated with healing, hope, and success! Itās also a great colour to wear if you are in front of a computer screen as it apparently has the least amount of eye strain. The use of green in an outfit can also bring a feeling of freshness and harmony, so itās a fantastic colour to use in these times, and when attending business meetings, as its association with success can bring a more secure feeling to the person you are meeting with.
Deep greens can be a great starting point for you to dip your toe into the world of this colour. Lime greens and bright greens are often quite luminescent but can be great if your skin tone works well with it. I love the use of the neutral top with the deep green in this outfit, and it can be perfect for work and for date night ā add a leather jacket or jewellery to upgrade to the date and youāre ready to go out!
What does the colour black do for your mindset?
A classic colour, but did you know that black can convey the message of power, mystery, and even professionalism? This is why it can be used in so many professional outfits such as suits and the classic, little black dress! I often find even if black isnāt considered to be the ārightā colour for a clientās skin tone, it makes them feel great, so if you feel the same way about black, then go for it and add this professional colour to your day if you have several meetings coming up, or need to record a professional video for your business. Adding a hint of colour such as green, or blue, can add a touch of personality to an all-black outfit, should you feel you need it.
In this all black outfit, something I always recommend doing with black is showcased here perfectly ā different textures! Black on black can look a little flat, so adding other layers of black that have a different texture or pattern are a great way to make an outfit look more polished. The arms on this dress go a long way to changing this dress from what could be quite simple, to something appropriate for the office.
Orange and its effects on the mindset
The final colour Iād like to showcase in this list of the top colours to transform your mindset, is orange. This colour is a good go between for red which can be seen as passionate and great for a first date, not so appropriate for the office! Orange, especially in these times, can be an excellent colour choice as it brings through feelings of energy, fun, and warmth. Itās a fantastic colour as itās bright and colourful, like yellow, but can be worn on many more skin tones and is perhaps not quite as daunting. It also helps to bring a feeling of stimulation and enthusiasm, so if youāre feeling your get up and go has got up and gone, bring some orange into todayās outfit, it could go to help improve your energy!
As you can see, orange comes in so many shades, and is incredibly āhotā right now in the fashion world. A few ways to use it is like the above where the whole outfit is based on orange with perhaps black or green accents. If this feels a little too much, try starting with an orange scarf or shoes, so you can dip your toe into the colour for a little bit of a boost to your mindset!
I hope these colours have given you some ideas for adding some colour to your daily outfits whilst in lockdown and how they can potentially change your mindset. Do let me know some colours you love to gravitate to, and if youād like to know which colours suit you best, Iād love to arrange an online stylings session with you!
PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: TRANSFORMING FROM MUM-STYLE TO PROFESSIONAL WHEN WORKING FROM HOME
In this article, I wanted to share my top tips for making a transformation from Mum-style to Professional-style quickly so you can be professional in advance of your scheduled meetings, but still maintain the required Mum-clothes for when you are looking after your children.
Many of us, myself included, are getting sort of used to working from home. For those of us with children that may have usually been at nursery or school during our working hours, this means more time with the kids! This is a wonderful thing, and I am loving having more time with my son, however, it means that I have to figure out how to swap from Mum-style, to professional in a flash when meeting with clients or attending meetings via our new-love ā video conferencing!
In this article, I wanted to share my top tips for making this transformation quickly so you can be professional in advance of your scheduled meetings, but still maintain the required Mum-clothes for when you are looking after your children.
How to change from mum style to workstyle in snap ā my top tips!
When you have a little time for changing then the key point to save you stress and time is organisation!
Reorganise your wardrobe ā think about this, in a video call or video recording, the top part of your figure is often the only part that needs to be seen. So, you can make your life even easier by just updating your top half ā no one is going to see your lovely slippers and leggings unless you want them to! I recommend organising your tops into two sections ā one for with your child, and the other for work.
Put together outfits in advance & photograph them - If you want to wear your accessories with your outfit, such as earrings and scarves, you can put these together and take some pictures of the outfits. This will help you organise and find an outfit in a flash! Simply go to your photos, find the outfit you liked and photographed on your phone and put it together.
Consider your backgrounds ā when you are lucky enough to have an office, make sure you have everything set up ready to go for your videos and your meetings. This will mean you can ensure you are always ready and set up in advance of your calls, so all you have to do is change your top and your accessories, then sit and get started. If you are someone who is new to working at home or perhaps doesnāt have the luxury of a home office, walk around your house and check your WiFi connections, then your backgrounds. You want to make sure it is as clear as possible, as well as, if you are like me with a young child, as far away from your sleeping young one as possible so as not to wake them. If you have older children, I recommend a room with a door you can close, and set up a āMummyās workingā sign, that the kids know means they cannot come in when that door is closed.
Another part to this is that the background being as simple as possible, will mean that it wonāt clash with any of your outfits or cause strange movement in the video.
Hair accessories can be a Mumās best friend ā we all have even less time to get ready in the morning if we have kids running around all day, and letās face it, we are the last into the shower! If you are due to have a work call at a certain time you can make the most of your scrunchies, headbands, or even scarves, to make your hair look prepped and professional in a flash simply by updating your hairstyle.
Hang your shirts up with one button undone ā This is a quick and easy tip so you can simply throw on your shirt over your head without having to fiddle with all the buttons! When you put your clothes away after doing the laundry, button up the shirts all the way up to 1 or 2 buttons to the top. This will not only help keep the shirt from falling into a strange shape, and help you in the rush to change into professional clothes. I love being able to put a professional shirt on, but the faffing with all the buttons can be a nightmare! Donāt get in a pickle, just plan in advance š
I hope these tips to help you transform from Mum Style to Professional Style will help you during these times of working from home, or even just for helping you with videos and video conferencing. If you would like some help with styling yourself as an entrepreneur, I would love to help. I offer online styling sessions which you can book right here ā so you can treat yourself to feeling confident and boosting your business brand.
PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: TIME TO SWAP YOUR WARDROBE
With all the incredible craziness of March and February behind us, and continuing into Spring with some hopeful news stories showing that our isolation will soon be lifting, I wanted to share with you some ways to get yourself ready with the extra time you may have. For spring (and all seasons) I go through my wardrobe and put away the clothes I will be less likely to need & bring back out the spring clothes in preparation, as the weather warms up.
To help you get started, I wanted to share the top ways I go about this, and how you can also have a bit of a clear out before restocking your wardrobe with Spring appropriate items!
With all the incredible craziness of March and February behind us, and continuing into Spring with some hopeful news stories showing that our isolation will soon be lifting, I wanted to share with you some ways to get yourself ready with the extra time you may have. For spring (and all seasons) I go through my wardrobe and put away the clothes I will be less likely to need & bring back out the spring clothes in preparation, as the weather warms up.
To help you get started, I wanted to share the top ways I go about this, and how you can also have a bit of a clear out before restocking your wardrobe with Spring appropriate items!
Get rid of any items you didnāt wear over the winter
If you have jumpers, cardigans, coats, and cold weather wear that you didnāt touch over the last few months, donāt put them into storage to be unused for another year, put them in a charity bag to give away. This is a great time for a clear out of those items that donāt serve you, and will release you of adding them back in as the colder months come back around.
Give the loved items a wash before you put them into storage
Remember that wonderful clean clothes smell as you do a load of laundry? Thatās how your items will smell when you bring them back out for Autumn/Winter 2020! How lovely will that be, to not have to wash them all over again? I recommend taking your delicate items to a dry cleaner if you can, as this will ensure even greater usage options in the future too.
Put your clothes in tissue paper, so you donāt have to iron them
Remember when you bought that special piece of clothing from a bespoke store, or from an online retailer, and it came in tissue paper? The reason for this is so the item doesnāt crease. Treat yourself to some lovely tissue paper and fold your clothes within it so you donāt have to get out the iron when you take out the clothes again when you do your winter wardrobe swap. Trust me, youāll thank me when you have beautiful items that arenāt creased!
Now we come to the clothes that you are putting into your wardrobeā¦
Check through all the items before putting them back in your wardrobe!
As with the first step for putting your clothes away for the season, I suggest the same before they take up valuable space in your wardrobe. Are there any items that you saved for this spring/summer that just donāt fit your needs, personality, or style? Donāt let them sit in your wardrobe and take up space, just pop them in that charity bag and let them go to a new home!
Create some outfit ideas and hang them up
I love knowing the outfits that work together, it can truly help me on my daily routine and I suggest you can do the same for yourself! Put together your weekās outfits before hanging them up, and let yourself have a less stressful morning process. Of course, this is something you may need to do weekly, but it can all start when you bring out your spring wardrobe items too!
Do any of the clothes need to be tailored or washed?
If you need to get some pieces tailored or washed, you can do this now before the stress sets in and you find out the dress you wanted to wear that week (or on that day!) no longer fits you. Try on your pieces before hanging them up and make sure they donāt need to be altered or washed before going into your cupboard.
Do you need any additional items to make more outfits work?
Now you have gone through all your pieces, and know which ones you want to keep, do any of the outfit ideas need an additional piece to make it work better? Perhaps that dress would be great with a new pair of trainers; your skirt is in need of some new tops to go with it ā figure out the few key items you may need to invest in and make a shopping list to help you.
I believe that with the right preparation, and helping you keep to a seasonal wardrobe, not only will you be able to be more environmentally friendly by preventing wardrobe overwhelm, thus creating the classic āI have no clothesā syndrome, but youāll have a wardrobe of outfits that youāll love. If you would like a hand with preparing for the Spring/Summer, and are looking for some stylist support with a wardrobe edit or a Personal Style Masterclass, I can offer these in person or online to suit your needs. Iād love to help you take on the new season with added confidence and a wardrobe that truly sings to your personality!
PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
In this article, I wanted to share some fantastic examples of how female entrepreneurs are showcasing their personality with fashion, and how you can remain yourself, but keep āprofessionalā or as much as you need to when running your business. Now, these are just my personal tips, and I love the uniqueness that fashion can bring to us, alongside the independence that running our own businesses can bring to our wardrobe, so you can wear whatever you wish, these are simply some ideas to whet your appetite!
When it comes to transitioning from the corporate world to running your own business, there are a whole host of incredibly overwhelming and exciting things that need to be thought about. What to call your business, what to offer as a service or product, where and how to market yourself, and with this marketing comes the potential to refresh your personal branding. Out with the corporate world requirements of you, and in with the ability to truly express your own self! Goodness, that can be a very scary thing, especially if you have moved from a role that had a uniform, or felt like it had a uniform even if it was not set upon you!
In this article, I wanted to share some fantastic examples of how female entrepreneurs are showcasing their personality with fashion, and how you can remain yourself, but keep āprofessionalā or as much as you need to when running your business. Now, these are just my personal tips, and I love the uniqueness that fashion can bring to us, alongside the independence that running our own businesses can bring to our wardrobe, so you can wear whatever you wish, these are simply some ideas to whet your appetite!
Ideas for the networking meeting
As a business owner, I find that the best form of marketing is word of mouth and recommendation, so I attend regular networking events with fellow business owners to help me extend my network of contacts that I can recommend to clients, and in return, they may also recommend my services to their contacts too! In these meetings, there is often a lot of sitting, as well as the potential to stand up and share insights into your business. They are not informal, but they are not as professional as, say, a corporate meeting with investors. So I recommend keeping an outfit that feels comfortable yet professional enough to not feel to informal!
Try a button down shirt and leather trousers for a funky look when attending these meetings ā one of my clients, an early-30ās business owner, loves being able to turn up in her leather trousers, a pair of heeled boots, and a fun, colourful shirt at her networking meetings. Itās a great talking point, and one that works well for her business.
If you are in a more corporate feeling mood, you can never go wrong with a pencil dress, or skirt. These are still quite a feminine look, but you can pair it with trainers (see my recent article which shows the new ways trainers are taking over the heeled world!), for a less formal feeling. Thereās also no harm in throwing on a pair of killer heels, should you feel more confident in them.
If you prefer a more casual look, you can go for a great pair of jeans, paired with a blouse ā potentially a silk or smart white cotton blouse, as these can be a good option for the potential nerves that arise when networking! To help elevate the look, Iād recommend pairing your jeans with a pair of heels, but it totally depends on your preference.
For the business meeting
As a business owner, you may be meeting with clients, investors, potential business partners, suppliers, the list goes on! So, when it comes to showcasing your business, this may require a slightly more elevated look than for the more informal networking events. I always recommend getting a colour analysis to my clients, particularly if they are looking to boost their confidence with their wardrobe, so these outfit ideas will be on the basis that you either know the colours that work well for you, or feel a certain love for specific colours or patterns!
The classic monochrome look is one that works incredibly effectively for a formal outfit. Layering is an excellent way to help build up the look, without feeling too āsameyā. I love the use of black, beige, or cream, as these are classically elegant options, however, I have noticed many women on the street using fantastical monochrome coloured looks including pinks, greens, and purples, and they look fantastic! For the best options, I recommend finding similar tones in the colour you are looking to build your outfit with, as well as utilising different patterns and textures to help the outfit feel really put together.
Upgrading your outfit from day to day, to business meeting, can be transformed with a simple and elegant blazer. I love using a blazer to transform my outfits, they are a great way to help a look feel more business appropriate. There are a range of options out there, from simple black, to blue velvet, as well as the classic tweed and linen options. Find a few blazers that you find work in your wardrobe, add them to your coat rack, and use these in place of your coat when you head out for a business meeting, it can transform the feeling of your look! They work fantastically over a turtleneck, a blouse, or a casual tee.
Now is the time to invest in key items
When it comes to letting your wardrobe make you feel super confident, you canāt go wrong with investing in pieces that perhaps were higher than you used to spend in your corporate job. Trust me, the investment is so worth it. The reason I find investing in key items so important is that I will tend to take better care of them, they last longer, and I get more wears out of them. Shops like Reiss and & Other Stories are great places to find slightly higher end wardrobe items that can have your key items that elevate your look (& Other Stories also offers a 10% off voucher if you take them old textiles, which is an excellent way to support sustainable fashion).
Reiss is the place I recommend for an elegant, effortless yet modern style. & Other Stories is a younger, more boho style that is quite Parisian. They have excellent choices to add to your wardrobe and I tend to find well-made piece of knitwear or beautiful dress are items I can pick up easily in these stores. Reiss even offer a tailoring service, so your items can be made to fit you like a glove.
For my petite clients, I highly recommend visiting HOBBS, as they offer not only an excellent range of smart pieces, they also have a petite collection ā perfect for female entrepreneurs who are under 5 foot 3. Their styles are classic, and have a huge range of dresses that are a great solution for a āgrab and goā outfit. If you are looking for a more corporate look for your business styling, you can also take a look at L K Bennet. Their workwear collection has a range of excellent blouses, suits and classic styling that would work perfectly in most corporate offices & your business office!
As a new Mum myself, I know the importance of being able to have comfort and professionalism come together, so there are a few brands I love to get my jeans and blazers from. One brand I highly recommend, particularly for those of us with problems finding jeans that fit both our hips and our waists, are Liu Jo. As for blazers, my go to option is Pinko, they are fantastic!
You will often find that heading to new shops on the highstreet can be an excellent way to find your new ābrandingā and you may gravitate to certain styles, let your gut instinctively tell you, and go and try it. I do recommend heading to a department store to get to see a big range of options in one handy place, somewhere such as House of Fraser or John Lewis are a good place to start. Once you find a brand that really embraces your style and shape, The great thing about being a woman entrepreneur is that you make the rules ā be yourself, let yourself be confident, and bring your personal style to the forefront! If you are feeling nervous about where to start, Iād love to help you with a personal styling session.
PERSONAL STYLIST TIP: FIND THE PERFECT RED LIPSTICK
For some, lipstick is a daily essential, for others, itās a sea of colours and confusion! Whether you are one or the other (or just dipping your toe into the world of lipsticks) I hope this piece will help you find the perfect shade for you, and hope to give you some red lipstick confidence boosting in preparation for International Womenās Day this month.
For some, lipstick is a daily essential, for others, itās a sea of colours and confusion! Whether you are one or the other (or just dipping your toe into the world of lipsticks) I hope this piece will help you find the perfect shade for you, and hope to give you some red lipstick confidence boosting in preparation for International Womenās Day this month.
When I do a colour analysis with a client, we go through the colour wheel landing on the season that best suits their skin, which helps them to find the perfect colours to make them shine. In this article, I share a few tips on helping you to determine which season may be yours, but of course, would love to invite you to join me for a colour analysis should you want to have the benefit of knowing the best colours, fabrics, and make up for you!
Red Lipsticks For Summer Skin Tones
If you are cool-skin toned and naturally ash-blonde, you will probably be in the Summer category, and you are most likely to suit a more primary red with a blue undertone, such as the beautiful deep red shade from Pat McGrath in Elson with a touch of blue undertones, can work pretty well on all skin tones, but particularly works well on those with a Summer season.
Red lipstick can work well on most cooler toned skin, from lighter to darker shades, as long as the undertone is correct with a hint of blue. You can try a sheer and pinkish red lipstick with Cover Girlās Continuous Colour in Really Red, which is a lovely option for a less deep and bold colour.
Red Lipsticks For Autumn Skin Tones
Just like the season, Autumns have soft contrasts, and work best with the autumnal colours of the season - think aubergine purple, reds, and oranges. This means finding your perfect lipstick shade needs to be a warmer tone. Consider deep and warm lipstick hues for your selections. Brick reds, deep rich browns, or bright reds that have a brick-red undertone.
For even more of a statement, you could invest in something a little more unique with a deep rich brown lipstick, I know it isnāt in the āred lipstickā look, but I had to mention it as it is a shade that works so beautifully on the autumn skin tones!
Red Lipsticks For Winter Skin Tones
If you have fair skin with naturally dark hair, and eyes from very light and icy to very deep, or if your overall colours are dark with cool undertones, then you might fall into the Winter category, which means reds that work for you will be ones with deeper and cooler tones work beautifully for you. Consider scarlet red, such as Charlotte Tilburyās Matte Revolution in Scarlet Spell, which is deep, luscious and perfect for your skin tone!
You could also work with a beautiful fuscia pink, such as the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in Fuscia Stiletto which is a very bright pink, and is a great option for you to try if red is perhaps not your colour quite yet. If you're willing to try a vegan and cruelty free option, I suggest the Smoothed Over Lipstick - Peony from Arbonne. I advise steering clear from any reds which are almost brick red, as this will potentially wash you out.
Red Lipsticks For Spring Skin Tones
Warmer skin tones with golden blonde or red hair and eyes with green shades usually tend to be a Spring, which means warm bright reds, as well as coral pinks work perfectly for you. Deeper reds can drain you, so this is one option of red that you will want to step aside from. I love the Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Matte Lipstick in shade 402 is a wonderful colour, with itās bright hue, it may feel a little daunting, but practice with it and you will see how fantastic it looks on your skin tone, I promise!
Another option, if coral feels a little too bright for you, can be a bright brick red, then try the Becca lipstick in Rouge, this perhaps would be the darkest red hue that you can use without feeling a little too pale with it, so find the perfect one that makes you shine. If you want to keep a more natural look, still adding a touch of colour, and go vegan and cruelty free, my suggestion for you is the Glossed Over Lip Gloss, Mimosa by Arbonne.
Whatever hue you choose to go for, preparation is key to making your lips feel lipstick ready! I recommend exfoliating and moisturising before you pop the lipstick on, as this will give it the right base for long wear. I also recommend you try a lot of shades on your own skin to find that perfect lipstick that will make you feel fantastic! If you would like some help to find the right make up to make you feel confident every day, then do get in touch, Iād love to help you with a colour analysis.
BUY LESS WEAR MORE CHALLENGE ā TAKING YOUR FIRST STEPS TO A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE
This year I wanted to start helping people to buy less clothes and wear more pieces throughout their years ahead. With only a few simple strategies, we can truly make a huge difference to our fast-fashion culture.
This year I wanted to start helping people to buy less clothes and wear more pieces throughout their years ahead. With only a few simple strategies, we can truly make a huge difference to our fast-fashion culture.
Step 1 ā Analyse your shopping behaviour
The first step to helping you to achieve a more sustainable fashion future, as well as a selection of pieces that you truly love within your wardrobe is to analyse how you shop. Ask yourself these questions:
1. How many times, approximately, have you been shopping for clothes in 2019? (also shopping online counts, even for those items that you didn't keep)
2. How much have you spent, approximately, in your shopping for clothes in 2019?
3. How many of your new items, bought in 2019, are you effectively wearing?
This can feel a lot of deep questions, and donāt feel you have to get it spot on, this is meant to be a challenge, but not a challenging thing that will be overwhelming!
Step 2 ā Analyse your wardrobe
This will take you a little more time, but stay with it, it is worth it I promise you. I recommend you plan some time in your diary to have fun, and give the commitment to your wardrobe analysis. When you have the chance to stand up, and look at the wardrobe in front of you, you will be able to see the pieces that you wear, and the items that donāt bring you joy.
Take all of your clothes out of your wardrobe. I highly recommend you sort your wardrobe seasonally so you have a wardrobe with items you can wear during the season, and put away the items which are not serving you during the current season (for example, get out your jumpers and coats, and put away your spring/summer dresses during Autumn and vice versa!). Another option to help you with this, you can then sort your wardrobe by category ā tops, bottoms, outerwear, and if you have time, do the same with shoes and accessories too.
Make 2 piles ā 1 with clothes you regularly wear, and the other with clothes you do not or have not worn for a long while. Ask yourself piece by piece ā why donāt you wear it? Is it the size, the wrong occasion, or perhaps you have nothing associated with it. While doing this, you will understand better what has been your shopping behaviour so far, and you can then improve on it going forwards. If there is anything that can make the piece wearable, perhaps there is a great skirt without shoes or a top to work with it, and then thatās great! You can put a list together of items you need to make it work and keep it within your wardrobe. Then you can take a look at the pieces you love and see if there are any items that need upgrading or need to have a new fashionable item added ā then great, this can go into your shopping list too!
Look for inspiration head to Pinterest and Instagram ā once you know the pieces you love that could do with a few items to make them more wearable, head to Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration for your outfits.
Once you have these pieces you want to keep, you can put them back into your wardrobe, and donate your items that do not serve you and are taking up valuable wardrobe space.
Step 3 ā Plan your shopping trip
You should now have a shopping list and I'll explain how to use it soon.
You should have now put together the general amount you have spent shopping and how many clothes you've worn.
As an example, let's suppose you've spent Ā£3,000 but you've only worn ā of your purchases, that means you've wasted approximately Ā£1,000.
Now it's time to set up a budget for your shopping in 2020. You can use the same budget spent in 2019, so in this case Ā£2,000.
Here's where your shopping list comes to action!
For your future shopping stick to your list, while bearing your budget in mind. Searching items online in advance will help you organise your shopping even better, and you can start with your favourite brands, if you have any. This can be found when you are going through your wardrobe, you may notice that many of your items that you wear have come from the same place ā this is a great insight into your favourite brands and the style you most love!
Eventually, not only will you spend less than in 2019, for pieces that you'll actually wear, but you can also make some of your old clothes wearable again, thanks to a few key items you have put on your shopping list that will work with them. You'll also have extra money to spend for items that are not in your list, but you fall for, or in case of unexpected events.
Trust me, once you start to follow this method youāll never go back. This will change your way of shopping forever. You'll save money, time, energy and you'll become more sustainable.
Iād love to be a part of your Sustainable Style Challenge, so comment below and let me know how you get on, or if you have any questions at all, via my Facebook page here.
PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: TOP 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WARDROBE WORK FOR YOU
2020 is the year that I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and blissful about your wardrobe! Without the daily worry about outfit choices, and wandering aimlessly around shops without knowledge on how to make the perfect decisions for you to feel great in your outfit choices, and here are 10 ways to make your wardrobe work for you this year.
2020 is the year that I want you to feel comfortable, confident, and blissful about your wardrobe! Without the daily worry about outfit choices, and wandering aimlessly around shops without knowledge on how to make the perfect decisions for you to feel great in your outfit choices, and here are 10 ways to make your wardrobe work for you this year.
Invest in key items, rather than repeat buying
When you have seen that you love a specific style of clothing, perhaps a pencil skirt, or cropped trousers, rather than buying lots of them from perhaps a fast-fashion shop, consider investing in one or two in different suitable colours/patterns from a shop which makes items you can keep for years to come. You can potentially save yourself a lot of money, and wardrobe space, when you invest in key pieces that work for you and last, youāll know that with the right care, youāll be able to keep wearing them for years to come.
Buy items which fit you
Too often, when I go to see a client for a wardrobe edit, or even a personal shopping session, they have items in their wardrobe which are too large or too small. This means their items wonāt fit them correctly and cause potential confidence downfalls, or simply have pieces which are not suited to their figure. If you find it hard to find items which fit you perfectly, I highly recommend finding a tailor who can help tailor your pieces to fit. This is excellent if you are perhaps petite, tall, or curvy, as many clothes are set to follow a standard which cannot be followed by most of our bodies!
If you feel tempted by a last minute item thatās on sale, consider if you will be committed to get it tailored to fit you, as if it doesnāt fit you well now, you will probably find it months later having not been worn, and a waste of your important investment.
Accentuate your favourite body parts
Whatever your body shape, you are beautiful ā and you can accentuate the parts of you that you love the most. Whether itās your ankles, calves, shoulders, or waist ā you can determine the areas of your body that you love the most, and these can be the areas you show off! There is no such thing as dressing for your size or shape, it is simply dressing for your confidence.
Have a wardrobe refresh, regularly!
As a part of my BuyLessWearMore challenge I recommend having a wardrobe clear out, and you can read all about how to start doing this here. I recommend you do this regularly, and once you begin to know more about your style, and fashion favourites, your wardrobe will need a clearing less and less, but making sure there are pieces in your wardrobe which you love and wear regularly, will mean more time in items you love, and less worry in the mornings or evenings when getting ready.
I also recommend you sort your wardrobe by season, and put away the items you wonāt wear into storage, so your wardrobe is lovely and inviting, rather than packed with clothes you wonāt be touching for months to come.
Lingerie and underwear can make a huge difference!
Confidence comes from within, and then comes the underwear! All silliness aside, underwear can work truly well to make the lines and form of your clothing look wonderful all day long. I recommend you treat yourself to underwear that you feel great in. Whether itās shapewear that gives you clean lines under your work and date night wear, to boxers that are colourful and make you feel confident before heading on your daily commute ā underwear really can make your day even better!
Consider getting yourself re-measured for bras, and go through your underwear to get rid of pieces that are beginning to wear thin or not look quite as fresh as they did a few months (or years) ago.
image from Danalaymonphotography.com
Wear colours that suit your skin tone
When we wear colours that work to our skin tone, we can shine with just the addition of a piece in our colour like a tie or a scarf! When you have this knowledge at your fingertips, it not only helps you when creating outfits from your closet, it also helps you when going shopping.
Consider the colours that you feel best in, it is probably because they suit your skin tone best, and if you are unsure, consider booking yourself a colour analysis so you can have the knowledge of your best colours working for you and your wardrobe.
Go shopping with a list
I love a list, and this is another part of my BuyLessWearMore Challenge, because of how useful it can be. When you go shopping, you will feel so much better prepared if you know what you are going for. Whether you need a pair of shoes to match a skirt you love wearing but cannot find the right shoes for, or you need some new work jumpers to go with your suit ā you will have something by your side which keeps you on plan and confident when shopping.
A list for items which work well for your lifestyle, style, personality, and your budget, all go perfectly to building a wardrobe which works for you.
Plan for the weather of the day!
This may seem simple, but as a Londoner, I have seen first-hand the need to plan prior to a busy day in the city. I check the forecast to help me know what type of shoes are best for the day ahead as well as whether I need a jacket, an umbrella, or perhaps an extra top due to a warm day ahead š An outfit can be ruined if you get caught in the rain without a coat and umbrella, so having a check for the weather before you plan your outfit for the day, is a great plan!
Use your statement pieces in new ways
Whether you invested in a beautiful statement piece for a special occasion or have a formal piece that you only wear on irregular occasions, you want to make sure you use them ā especially if you feel great in them. See if you feel confident mixing formal wear with more casual items which can help you use these items more than on special events. Why not try with trainers and a suit, or a dress, to get yourself started!
Make your own trends
Finally, and one to truly work on, is to remember that the style you love will never go out of style, because you love it. Trends are fleeting, and can feel like they are something you must tap into, but if it doesnāt suit your needs, lifestyle, and your personal image, then you can steer clear of them ā they often leave as fast as the start.
I recommend to you that you have a wardrobe that brings you joy and confidence as often as possible. You can even plan your outfits for the week ahead to save you time, but using these tips will hopefully help you to get to the point that you know every morning when you wake up, you have a closet that you love.
PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE ā HOW TO MAKE THE JANUARY SALES WORK FOR YOUR WARDROBE
January is upon us, and so are the January sales ā often a time when so many people make the most of huge discounts, and fill their shopping carts with items of clothing at great prices. However, this often means a filled out wardrobe that can feel overwhelming and many of these items end up not being used as much as we had first hoped.
I wanted to share a few tips to help you maximise the sales, and your current wardrobe, to make sure your investments truly work for you throughout the year, rather than with an impulse purchase.
January is upon us, and so are the January sales ā often a time when so many people make the most of huge discounts, and fill their shopping carts with items of clothing at great prices. However, this often means a filled out wardrobe that can feel overwhelming and many of these items end up not being used as much as we had first hoped.
I wanted to share a few tips to help you maximise the sales, and your current wardrobe, to make sure your investments truly work for you throughout the year, rather than with an impulse purchase.
Look at your current wardrobe
It all needs to start at the beginning ā your current wardrobe! When we have a composed look at what we have in our wardrobes we start to spot certain aspects:
Ā· Colour palette ā do you stick to a few select colours with some bursts of new colours thrown in? Now is not the time to go away from your favourites, but it can be a good time to add a few key pieces that work with your current palette.
Ā· Your favourite items ā what do you wear when you are in a pickle for the outfit for the day? What are your go-to items you love to put on? When you know these key items, you can consider what youād like to add to make those items be used more often, or perhaps now is a time to invest in some items similar to them that you know you will wear over and over again. This can be, for example, that you often love wearing culottes, or wrap dresses, so you may wish to find one or two more to add to your collection.
Ā· What do you need? This is a great time to wonder what items you arenāt wearing, but would wear if you had the right piece to go with them. For example, you may have a beautiful midi skirt, but no jumpers or tops that work with it, take some inspiration from pinterest or Instagram to give yourself some ideas of what works well with those items that youād like to try, and invest in some during the sales to truly get to use those items!
Ā· What donāt you wear? If you are spotting things in your wardrobe you may not have worn for a while, consider putting these in a ācharityā pile. If you arenāt wearing them, then donāt let them take up valuable space in your mind and your closet! January can be a great time for a wardrobe clear out, and is a great way to make note of what not to get again in the sales.
Now that you feel empowered about your current wardrobe, you may have some more ideas about what is missing and is truly required to be added to your collection.
Get inspiration
When you are now given the tools from your wardrobe of what to (and what not to) get for yourself, you can use the wonders of the style icons to help you see what youād like to convey when you dress. Usually this is a key area within my personal styling sessions, which can really help you to see what youād love to be wearing more of. As a way to get started, you can search for particular celebrities that you may love the styling of, or designers and fashion houses that you feel create pieces you love looking at.
As a starting point, this can be a great way to get some inspiration for the pieces youād like to invest in and wear throughout the year. Whether itās the beautiful suits that Cate Blanchett wears in Oceanās 8, or the elegant styling of Michelle Obama ā you can take inspiration from the way they style themselves and work this into your wardrobe.
Getting to the shops
Now, I know lots of people love buying online ā the ability to scan through during your lunch break, or on the commute home, for some new pieces to add to your wardrobe can feel very easy, but, I highly recommend (if you can) going to shops like John Lewis or Selfridgeās, so you can have a great collection of styles at your fingertips, and that you can try on the items too!
If you are going to high street shops, take the items from your wardrobe that you wanted to style with you, so you can truly get to see that these clothes work together before you purchase.
Here are some tips for shopping at high street stores:
Ā· Go during a quieter time of day if you can.
Ā· Give yourself time and make it a treat ā get yourself a coffee, take time walking around the different areas, and try to go during a good confidence day.
Ā· Take a friend with you, so you can both help each other in times of unease. A friend can be truly helpful to making sure you make the right decisions for your style and body, and you can do the same for them too!
Ā· Take breaks. If you are going for a few hours, it can feel pretty overwhelming, so why not give yourself a good half a day for the experience, grab lunch, and take breaks between try-ons. Youāll feel better and it will give you a chance to consider the items you had tried on before purchasing them.
Ā· When you come home, try on the items again with your wardrobe and pre-plan some outfits that can work together. This can also really help to reduce the stress of outfit choices in the morning.
If it feels truly overwhelming to head to high street shops, or you simply havenāt the time to go out to them, here are a few pieces of advice for buying online during the sales:
Ā· Remember the items you need and would like, rather than being distracted by the countless categories they have in spaces such as Asos.
Ā· When trying on your items at home, take into consideration how you truly feel about the piece ā will you definitely wear it? Does it make you feel good? If neither of these feelings arise, then put it back in the returns bag!
Ā· Use the filters wisely! I have been stuck looking at pieces Iād love to get myself only to be disappointed that they have sold out in my size! You can drill down on size, fit, style, and even colour, so it can mean you are looking only at items youād really love to have, that would work with your current wardrobe, and will be in stock in your size!
In a world of fast-fashion, January sales often mean an influx of items that are worn only a few times before being forgotten about, and I want to make sure this doesnāt happen to you! I hope these tips will help you to get the items you will cherish for years to come, and if you are unsure on where to start, Iād love to speak with you to see if I can help with a personal shopping or styling experience.
PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE: ARE TRAINERS THE NEW HEELS?
You may have seen the recent trend for fashionable trainers, where trainers are bringing a new, comfortable yet stylish option to our wardrobes. Can these replace heels, or are they still a faux pas? Letās get into some of the options, and how you can work those comfy shoes into your workwear, where appropriate!
You may have seen the recent trend for fashionable trainers, where trainers are bringing a new, comfortable yet stylish option to our wardrobes. Can these replace heels, or are they still a faux pas? Letās get into some of the options, and how you can work those comfy shoes into your workwear, where appropriate!
The Classic White Trainer
We all know and love our trainers, and we probably have all had or currently have a pair, but if youāre wondering how to pair your trainers with more than just jeans and a t-shirt then start to dip your toe with a classic white style. These pair with so many outfits, and can work in the office or whilst running between meetings. I think they work beautifully with a jumpsuit, mid-length skirt, or even with a suit ā trust me, youāll appreciate the clean look of your white trainers matched with a power suit!
These style of trainers, when you are looking for work-appropriate look, work best with a touch of colour on the outfit, as they then pair less outlandishly than with a black outfit. You could also test out the monochrome look by pairing your white trainers with an all-white outfit for a clean, fresh style option.
The Dad Sneaker Trend
Now, this is one of the ātrendyā options, but one that many of us may be cringing about! The āDad Trainerā or āUgly Trainerā trend is one we have seen many millennials add to their shoe collections, but it is a tricky trend for us to add to our workwear.
With chunky accents, and oftentimes with colourful accents, the dad shoes feel more like a running shoe with an edge. You can pair these with a range of outfits, including the midi skirt trend (as worn above), or even with a classic LBD to keep your elegant styling on the top and the comfortable shoes on the bottom.
These silver Dad style shoes keep their cool with the space-age feel and pair excellently with a mini or midi dress.
Now you have seen the hardest of the sneakers to add, I promise you the rest are slightly more easy to implement!
Colourful Trainers
Now, colourful trainers are much more useable in your workwear wardrobe and are a great way to add a touch of colour!
From the beautiful blush tones of these Nike trainers, to the primary colours of these Vans, you can find a huge range of colourful trainers across different styles. Colourful trainers are just as user friendly as your colourful stilettos, they work well with a black pair of capris, as well as pulling the colours in your shoes to match your outfit for a monotone style that is always a classic.
For a less āin your faceā look, why not start with a little bit of a pattern with clean white trainers and a patterned tongue, styled with a knitted black skirt and warm jumper ā perfect for brunch, or at a more relaxed workplace. Great for the cooler months to help you feel cosy, comfortable, yet stylish.
Platform Trainers
If you are one who loves the height your heels give to you, then platform trainers are a great go-to. There are so many ranging options, from the smart platforms that can be found in places such as Office and ASOS, to the more quirky patterned options that can add a little bit of personality to your footwear. One of my clients has a fantastic pair of white platform trainers she found with sequined pineapples ā they show off the pineapple only when she is wearing cropped trousers or a skirt, whilst adding the height she loves to get.
Pairing your trainers with a dress may feel out of your comfort zone, but with the right dress, you can truly let your style do the talking. The t-shirt dress trend is a quick and comfortable way to create an outfit with your platforms, or you can dress up your LBD with a pair of platform trainers, and statement accessories for a day to night look in a flash.
They also work beautifully with a suit, particularly when you pick the colours from the suit and make sure they are in the trainers too, whether you go for a cropped trouser or for longer lengths with the bottom of the platform just peeking through, you can truly give this style a go with whichever styling you feel confident in.
With the huge range of option available, you can truly match your personal style with the shoes that suit your needs best, whilst adding the wonderful comfort they bring. Now, you may be a heels aficionado, but if your feet are crying for a comfortable yet work-suitable option, then why not give yourself a chance to try out this new trend, your commute may thank you for it!
If you are feeling unsure on where to start, or are looking for support with your work wardrobe, Iād love to help! I provide a personal styling service, which includes personal shopping that sings true to your personal style, as well as your needs.
PERSONAL SHOPPER TIP: TIME TO WEAR SPARKLES - FIND YOUR PERFECT PARTY DRESS
Itās the party season and this may mean youāre looking for the perfect party dress! Thereās no greater time than the festive season to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe, but which one is best for your personality? I wanted to share a few pieces that suit a range of different personal styles, that may put you just a toe out of your comfort zone, whilst still feeling truly you!
Itās the party season and this may mean youāre looking for the perfect party dress! Thereās no greater time than the festive season to add a little sparkle to your wardrobe, but which one is best for your personality? I wanted to share a few pieces that suit a range of different personal styles, that may put you just a toe out of your comfort zone, whilst still feeling truly you!
The Sparkly Little Black Dress
I recently wrote a post on the āperfect LBDā for your wardrobe, and this staple item can cross into the party wear wardrobe too!
This Damsel in a Dress piece from Damir is a fantastic foray into sparkles. With its illusion v-neck, and knee-length cut it can work perfectly for your party whether you are in a central London bar, or a work do in a restaurant, it goes a long way to have festive flair but without feeling too over the top. Iād recommend black stilettos, or for a more comfortable feel, wear some black flats with your tights so you can party with your colleagues.
For a slightly more impactful piece, this incredible PVC and chain dress with stars from Paco Rabanne will surely steal the show. On the styling side, you can go for a truly eccentric style with cowboy boots as shown on the model, or for a more elegant styling, wear with black stilettos and add some jewellery to top it all off!
If you have a smaller budget, then this sequinned LBD from Zara is an excellent choice. Whether you choose to pair it with chunky heels, as with the model, or pop on a pair of trainers and a long jacket, the dress will truly steal the show at your festive event. For those of you looking for a more cinched style, add a belt to draw you in at the waist, if required.
The Sequined Suit
Yes, this is an article about party dresses, but I didnāt want to leave out those of you who love a perfect suit to wear. There are so many options for us out there with amazing tailoring suited to women that you can turn up to the party (or the office!) in a fantastic suit. The perfect suit depends on your style, whether you are looking for a colourful addition to your wardrobe or a sparkle-covered option that is perfect for nighttime.
I love this suit from & Other Stories, which incorporates the festive feel with a suit that can work with just the blazer or the full-on ensemble!
As the model wears it with strappy shoes and a black top, you can see that this can keep the piece in a more workwear appropriate feel, but you can go to a more colourful top should you feel a need for colour in your outfit, or wearing a bright pair of heels. The jacket and trousers are in velvet, so they are more suited for this colder time of year, so I wouldnāt recommend it for Spring or Summer! Thereās also this amazing gold sequined long lined blazer from Dundas for those of you looking to stand out at the party. You could wear it over a little black dress, or with black trousers and a shirt for a muted option when you remove the blazer!
Another option is to add the sparkle with a spectacular gold sequinned top and pair it with black wide leg trousers to keep the statement at the top. This gold sequinned top from Alice & Olivia is sure to be a top that is perfect for a party or an evening dinner for the festive season. I love the way this has been styled with trousers and heeled strappy shoes, but you can add a touch of gold to pair with the top on the shoes or with your accessories such as earrings or bracelets. If you choose to wear your hair up, which I think is a great way to wear a high neck piece, add more detailing with your earrings too.
For the elegant sparkle top look, I love this deep blue cropped top from Zara, it works well with high waisted trousers or even a skirt, depending on the occasion. The v-neck back is a lovely detail, and helps to keep you feeling work-appropriate but with a little sexiness too. The variety of night sky colourings are truly beautiful.
The Metallic Dress
If sequins just arenāt your thing, then metallic is a great sparkly option without the sequins. There are lovely range of options out there, including this long ruffle dress in metallic gold by Modern Rarity from John Lewis which is a comfortable yet party-ready option. For a classic style and shape, this metallic dress from John Lewis still shows off your figure and fashion, with a fun party feel whilst still working for non-parties too when dressed right!
The muted tones with the touch of silver works perfectly for the festive party.
For a sexier look, this gold metallic slip style dress from Zara is a great date night option, perhaps not quite as appropriate for a works do! You could, however, pair it with a pair of patterned tights to keep you warmer for this time of year.
For a gala or black-tie event, you cannot go wrong with a metallic dress, and this one shouldered statement piece by Dundas is the perfect option. It may feel a little over the top, but itās Christmas party season after all, and if you canāt wear it now, then when?! Let the dress do all the talking and pair with a black shoe, with your hair up to show off your shoulder.
Patterns Perfect for Parties
And my last foray into the perfect party dress is using a festive or fun print on your dress. Stars, stripes, and a multitude of different patterns can be such fun for your outfit.
For a quirky option, you can try out a pattern that may be more suited for a fun and eventful evening! This mini dress with suki tiger pattern by De La Vali is best for a night event, rather than a lunch with colleague, and I love the shine the gold gives to this piece without the need for sequins. If you are looking for a casual option, wear your favourite pumps or even sneakers, but you can dress it up with a pair of black or burgundy heels.
Another patterned option is this black and silver sequinned high neck dress from Warehouse, which can work for a festive party, or even throughout the year for date nights and evening events. The line at the waist works really well to draw you in at the waist and can be paired with tights should it be a chilly evening.
If you prefer a longer length, then a maxi or midi dress can be the right choice for your party. This patterned silk dress by Sandro can be great for any event, and will work well throughout the year, not just for December. The ruffling on the waist helps to accentuate your curves, whilst also making sure you feel confident even after a three-course sit-down dinner!
Whatever the event, you can dress up in something that truly feels āyouā without worrying about it making you feel uncomfortable. Whether it is sparkles, metallics, or a pattern that stands out amongst the crowd, I hope you find the piece that you love.
TRANSFORMATIONS IN MINUTES - BUSINESS PHOTOSHOOT CASE STUDIES - SALLIE STONE-BEARNE
Today I am sharing how I helped Sallie Stone-Bearne, who is a property finder for disabled clients, during our consultation prior to the make-up and photography session, we went through a few of her thoughts and current preferences. She said she mainly wears formal clothes with a leaning towards grey, blue, black and white. For work she likes to wear skirts with blouses and jackets, but not suits. This more formal requirements is because her day-to-day work means meeting with Directors and CEOās of companies, and solicitors, with a need to look professional and successful; with the need to look approachable for her disabled clients.
In this series, I wanted to showcase the amazing women I recently worked with in a mini-styling and photoshoot session I co-hosted with a photographer in London. We worked together to help women in business use styling, make-up, and professional headshots for their companies.
Today I am sharing how I helped Sallie Stone-Bearne, who is a property finder for disabled clients, during our consultation prior to the make-up and photography session, we went through a few of her thoughts and current preferences. She said she mainly wears formal clothes with a leaning towards grey, blue, black and white. For work she likes to wear skirts with blouses and jackets, but not suits. This more formal requirements is because her day-to-day work means meeting with Directors and CEOās of companies, and solicitors, with a need to look professional and successful; with the need to look approachable for her disabled clients.
She stated that she wanted to give across a message of professionalism, experience, and approachability through her look.
What I suggested:
Prior to the session, I had a look through each of the womenās business websites, and shared suggestions for their upcoming photoshoot and make-up session, for Sallie, I suggested that khaki would be an excellent colour for her.
She would be able to use this colour in her blazer on top of a white shirt or blouse.
Why Khaki? Khaki is a half way between green - that symbolize balance, safety, stability and endurance; and brown ā which is a friendly yet serious colour, that evokes security, protection, and comfort. It also enhances her eye colour beautifully.
As an underlying reason, it would be an excellent recall with her business name, "branch properties", and the colour would be harmonic with her logo, which is green and brown.
After the session, I was delighted to receive this testimonial from Sallie - āI really enjoyed your styling session, all your support and guidance and you were a fantastic host as well. I came away feeling confident and happy so thank you both so much for that.ā
When you run a business, you need to be able to portray your personality and brand values within moments, as I hope you can see, these little changes in colour and styling can make a huge difference to the image we give off. I loved being able to help Sallie during this mini-corporate styling session and love the look of her final photo, what do you think?
WHAT IS A WARDROBE EDIT AND PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE LIKE?
In this article, a recent client of mine shares her personal experience of a Wardrobe Edit and Personal Shopping session with me.
In this guest post from a client of mine, Hannah Liversidge, she shares her experience of her wardrobe edit and personal styling session with me.
It all started when I was at the realisation that I was hitting a particular age ā 30. This year is when I believed I should really start upping my game when it came to having the right style for the occasions I was getting the opportunity to attend. As an entrepreneur, and someone who mainly works from home, I donāt tend to require outfits that are of a corporate style, but with clients I had started to look after, I was heading to their offices on a regular basis, or attending events with them, and found that I was changing my outfit each morning at least 5 times, with the extra stress and hassle that comes with self-confidence and a desired ālookā to uphold.
I have struggled with self-confidence issues throughout most of my life, the joys of media and general personal self-doubts, has already plagued my outfit wearing existence, to the extent that I had sometimes just cancelled going to an event due to the worry and stress of dressing for the occasion. This is just not good, I thought, and it had to change.
Upon meeting Stefania in 2018 at a mutual networking event, I was delighted to see a stylist that had real style, flair, and a personal attitude that synergised with me. She used style to show her own personal brand, and I loved it. After considering the need to have a bit of an upheaval and mainly support in knowing how to create outfits that aligned with my own alternative and sometimes quirky style, I decided this was the time to invest in myself, and save myself the daily morning struggle of finding (and ultimately changing) outfits for meetings & networking.
It started with organising the sessions, which was quick and simple, with her organising to come to me directly one week and then us to meet in Oxford Circus the week after. For the wardrobe edit, Stefania turned up with her clothes rack and we ploughed through all my āwork appropriateā clothes, trying everything on, with Stefania helping to showcase new ways to wear some items, as well as getting rid of items that just didnāt serve me. This was such a relaxing and eye-opening experience, as I had not seen some of the ways these items could be used and felt they had to be donated!
Throughout the week before the edit and after the edit, we combined forces and style inspiration on a secret Pinterest board, with Stefania taking the lead sharing outfit and item ideas for me to comment on. It was a great way to get inspiration for us both before the personal shopping experience.
The shopping experience started (thankfully) with coffee in John Lewis in Oxford street ā and then Stefania got to it! Letting me have the chance to veto items, as well as pushing a few items I would not have ever thought would suit me. It was fantastic as with her style insights and knowledge of which shops would be best for my style personality we went through an array of pieces! We selected the key items that I really loved, including 3 blouses, 2 jumpers, a coat, a pair of leather trousers, and a velvet blazer. I knew these would be investment pieces that not only could I work with one another, but also with the clothes I already had in my now organised wardrobe.
Then came a few extra stores with some accessories and a pair of sustainable jeans from a store I hadnāt heard of before, but actually fit my pear shape! It was a denim dream come true. I can honestly say that the day was an enjoyable experience (and this is not something I usually say about shopping, particularly in London) and it helped me to broaden my mindset for when I go on future shopping trips alone.
People have already complimented me on the outfits I am wearing, and I have completely relaxed into knowing what to wear each day thanks to an organised and useful wardrobe. I highly recommend booking a session with Stefania if, like me, you want to stop starting your day with worry about what the heck to wear, and start feeling like your true self in outfits that not only feel good, but sing your personality too.
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Personal shopping is more than just buying clothes; it's about discovering your unique style with the guidance of a professional. Explore how our personal shopping service can transform your wardrobe and save you time while enhancing your confidence.
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Our wardrobe edit service focuses on maximising your existing wardrobe while identifying key pieces to complete your look. Learn more about our process on the wardrobe stylist page, where we help you build a curated, functional wardrobe that aligns with your lifestyle.
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Whether you're a busy professional, navigating a life change, or simply in need of a style refresh, our services cater to individuals looking to redefine their wardrobe. Check out our personal shopping service or wardrobe stylist service to see how we can help.
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Your journey begins with an initial consultation to understand your style needs. Next, we move on to a personalised shopping session, either in-person or through our online personal shopping service. Finally, we complete the transformation with a comprehensive wardrobe edit.
Why Choose One of A Style?
At One of A Style, we prioritise a bespoke experience, offering personal shopping, wardrobe edit, and online shopping services that align with your lifestyle and goals. Our expertise ensures every client walks away with a wardrobe they love, whether through in-person guidance or the convenience of virtual styling.
Ready to transform your style?
Contact us to book your session and take the first step towards a more confident you.
PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE: 4 WAYS TO MAKE A SUSTAINABLE CAPSULE WARDROBE
We could all benefit from making a few environmental changes here and there, including our fashion choices. Here, Steve Cochrane, Managing Director at designer clothing retailer Psyche, gives us his top tips for creating a more sustainable wardrobe.
We could all benefit from making a few environmental changes here and there, including our fashion choices. Here, Steve Cochrane, Managing Director at designer clothing retailer Psyche, gives us his top tips for creating a more sustainable wardrobe.
As Britain becomes more environmentally conscious, consumers have started altering their buying behaviour and investing in more eco-friendly fashion. This year, Pinterest named sustainable fashion as one of the biggest trends of 2019, and clothing companies have followed the demand by encouraging consumers to move away from fast fashion and take a more environmental approach to their clothing. That's why more and more people are deciding to collect a few staple pieces to form a capsule wardrobe that can last for years.
What is fast fashion?
Fast fashion is a term used to describe clothing that's made quickly in order to cater to changing fashion trends. Demand for these pieces is usually high so, in order to manufacture a large volume in a short space of time, they are frequently made cheaply and poorly. This means that they can often become damaged after a few wears, or the trend changes and the pieces soon become unfashionable. So, they're then thrown away, resulting in them being sent to landfill or burned, releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere.
But, how do you go about creating a more sustainable capsule wardrobe? I'll be talking you through the things you'll need to bear in mind when choosing your pieces.
Pick stylish staples
When creating your sustainable wardrobe, stay away from pieces that adhere to fleeting trends. Although they may look great now, in a few months' time something else might be fashionable and you'll stop wearing it. Instead, try to pick out a few stylish staples that you can wear with a number of outfits for years to come. Over time, you'll then be able to create a capsule wardrobe that includes basic pieces that you can mix and match to wear for any occasion.
For men, your staples should include:
Ā· A crisp white shirt;
Ā· A well-tailored suit;
Ā· A pair of smart dress trousers;
Ā· A white T-shirt;
Ā· A simple jumper;
Ā· Jeans in your preferred cut;
Ā· Smart dress shoes like a pair of brogues or Oxford shoes;
Ā· A pair of trainers.
For women, your capsule wardrobe should include:
Ā· A little black dress;
Ā· A white button-down shirt;
Ā· Jeans in your preferred cut;
Ā· A white T-shirt;
Ā· A smart knee-length skirt;
Ā· A pair of smart, black trousers;
Ā· Smart, flat ballet pumps;
Ā· Minimalistic heels;
Ā· A pair of ankle or knee-length boots.
Choose eco-friendly materials
When you're on the hunt for a new outfit, you might not think about the materials your clothing is made from, but some are more sustainable than others. Nylon and polyester are man-made and non-biodegradable, so are often considered unsustainable. Instead, look for items made from natural materials like cotton, wool or, even bamboo ā extra points if you can find organic versions.
Opt for environmentally-friendly brands
When deciding which brands to go for, you might want to look into their manufacturing processes. Some brands take a more ethical and eco-friendly approach to creating their clothing and, at Psyche, we try to stock names that are doing their bit for the environment.
For example, Hugo Boss has released a range of sportswear that's made from recycled coffee grounds, while Tommy Hilfiger often makes T-shirts from organic or recycled cotton. Popular jeans brand Levi's use their WaterLess manufacturing technique to reuse the water from their production methods, and Nudi Jeans use 100% organic cotton and have replaced their leather patches for paper alternatives. These are just some of the brands that have taken steps towards becoming more sustainable, so it's wise to research companies and their ethics before making a purchase.
Take care of your pieces
When it comes to making your garments last as long as possible, you should be thinking about how you store and care for them. For large pieces like suits, keeping them in a garment bag will help protect them from any dust and wear during storage. For other pieces, hanging them on padded clothes hangers will keep everything in great condition, without stretching out the shoulders. Boots and shoes can be kept as good as new using boot shapers or shoe trees.
Make sure you always wash your clothing according to the label's instructions, especially if a particular piece is dry-clean only. Washing at a lower temperature and hanging your clothes out on the line can not only help prevent damage to your garments, but it'll also mean you use less energy when washing your clothes.
It's clear that consumers are trying to alter their habits to be a little more environmentally-friendly. By following the tips in this guide to pick eco-friendly, staple pieces, you can create a more sustainable wardrobe and help save the planet, and if youād like some support to get started to creating your sustainable wardrobe, why not book a Wardrobe Edit and Personal Shopping Session with me? Itās a great gift to yourself or someone you love before the Christmas rush!
CASE STUDY ā PERSONAL STYLING SESSIONS AND PHOTOSHOOTS FOR BUSINESSWOMEN -HUELAN TRACY CHAU
We had the amazing opportunity once again to assist local businesswomen to create a fully styled business portrait in London, and I wanted to share with you some insights into how I helped reflexologist and therapist, HueLan Tracy Chau.
We had the amazing opportunity once again to assist local businesswomen to create a fully styled business portrait in London, and I wanted to share with you some insights into how I helped reflexologist and therapist, HueLan Tracy Chau.
When she first booked her session, she was sent a full questionnaire, in which I was able to request certain details to help me suggest styling options for her photoshoot, this included requesting her logo, her current favourite styles and colours for clothing, as well as what message she wanted to convey to her clients through her photos.
After receiving her logo, I saw how vibrant and bright it was and to use these dominant colours used throughout her website and logo to help show-off her brand through her styling. The colours she had were magenta, yellow, and light blue, and, by knowing her complexion from having her photo, I suggested that a blue blazer with a white top beneath would be perfect. This is because blue is a colour that evokes trust in people, and her business needs to showcase that she is a trustworthy person from the offset. At the same time she needed to look approachable and professional, which is why I suggested the blue be in her blazer, and her white would be the more relaxed tone within the portrait.
A blazer enabled her to show-off her professionalism, without feeling too formal, with the option to have more casual options such as jersey or wrapped-sleeved blazers which would create a more relaxed look. The blue, I suggested, could be one of two options ā either to go for a more sober/serious style and opt for a dark blue; or to use a brighter/lighter shade to be more friendly or empowering, and I left this part up to HueLan Tracy to decide for ā itās always good to have little bits of your own thought process in these sessions to feel most comfortable!
I also suggested a few blazers and tops that would work in her colouring and with a relaxed yet professional style that she could invest in for the shoot.
We didnāt want anything to be too baggy on her, so we used rather more fitted shapes, due to her proportions, and we kept with plain colours so she could stand out in her photo, rather than the clothes taking stage.
After receiving these ideas and fashion advice, HueLan came to a professional photoshoot and met with me prior to the photographer for support in the styling of her outfit and we had a mini-makeup session, in which I helped her understand the best make up for her Deep Winter colouring.
Here is the final look:
Itās always such a pleasure to be able to assist people in business to feel more confident before their headshots. These images are often showcased around multiple locations, not just their own website and Social Media, but when interviews are requested and in other areas of their business life, so they truly need to feel confident and know that the image they are showing to the world really reflects them and their brand.
If you are looking for a little extra support in making sure you reflect your company in the right light prior to a photo session, or would like more in-depth support with styling, please do get in touch.
Personal shopper advice: Princess Diana ā Jewellery trends inspired by the people's princess
Princess Diana drove change, and inspired people with her out of the box thinking. And, she started fashion trends that were relatable and accessible to the public. Here, Sarah Buck from pre-owned watch and jewellery retailer Est1897 discusses the jewellery trends led by the princess, and how to wear them.
Princess Diana drove change, and inspired people with her out of the box thinking. And, she started fashion trends that were relatable and accessible to the public. Here, Sarah Buck from pre-owned watch and jewellery retailer Est1897 discusses the jewellery trends led by the princess, and how to wear them.
Princess Diana was an icon in many ways ā for example, she did lots of charity work and inspired diverse thinking on a number of topics. But, as well as being loved for her positive impact on society, she was also known for starting trends, particularly with the jewellery she wore.
From her engagement ring that was picked from a catalogue, to her beloved statement chokers, her jewellery was typically unconventional for a princess of the time. But, that's why she was so good at sparking accessory trends, many of which are still around today. In this article, I'll be covering some of the key trends led by the princess, and explaining how you can incorporate these into your modern day looks.
Choose chunky jewellery
Diana commonly wore accessories that weren't expected of her, and her love for chunky jewellery mirrored this perfectly. One of the princess' most-loved pieces was a stunning chunky gold bangle that was versatile enough to be incorporated into her everyday looks, while being loud enough to make a statement when paired with her formal outfits.
But, it's not just wrist accessories that Diana wore in a chunky style. Her enlarged button-back earrings were a hallmark of 80s style and have been revived by those looking for investment pieces.
So, if you're looking to be inspired by the People's Princess' jewellery collection, look for oversized styles that will add a touch of personality to your outfits. This could include large birthstone rings or statement earrings. If you're looking for a unique and high-quality quality jewellery, I would suggest buying from pre-owned retailers, as they seldom have more than one of each product in stock, meaning you'll have a special piece. Or why not see what pieces have a special meaning in your family, such as the bold rings below ā one of which was my Motherās, which brings lovely memories to me each time I wear it.
With chunky jewellery driving accessory trends for Autumn 2019, as reported by VOGUE, you won't struggle to find the perfect pieces to satisfy this trend.
Pick the princess' pearls
Pearls were a signature part of Princess Diana's jewellery collection, making them popular among the public at the time. But, while pearls may typically have been considered old-fashioned, 2019 has brought them back in a big way, meaning you can now add a touch of royalty to your looks very easily.
One of Diana's most iconic pieces was the pearl choker she received as an 18th birthday gift and, during her lifetime, she was spotted with pearl bracelets and earrings, too. But, there are no rules when it comes to merging the princess' style with your own.
Instead of going with simple and classic pearl accessories, you could try picking pieces that combine both modern and traditional influences, like rings or earrings that are decorated with both pearls and other gemstones for an updated take on the princess' style. Look at the set I am wearing in this picture - by vb jewellery design (www.vbjewellerydesign.com) - realised with a mix of pearls, silk threads and horn..itās modern, original and classy at the same time. Itās a real statement!
Incorporate precious gemstones
It wasn't all diamonds and pearls for the princess. Diana loved getting inventive with her existing pieces, which she tended to repurpose to make completely unique accessories to suit her style. And, this was especially prominent in the chokers she wore, which were usually made from a mixture of elements including diamonds and pearls, as well as coloured gemstones like sapphires and emeralds.
The princess loved to make a statement, and her collection included plenty of gemstones, which are still widely loved today. For example, her dazzling aquamarine ring completed Meghan Markle's second wedding outfit and added the perfect statement style to an otherwise classic look. Similarly, her sapphire engagement ring sparked controversy as it was chosen from a catalogue, but it is now arguably the most famous sapphire ring in the world.
To get the look, opt for oversized gemstone pieces that will get heads turning. This could include sapphires, emeralds, rubies and other precious stones.
Princess Diana was a fashion icon, and many of the jewellery trends she inspired live on with her legacy. Incorporate a touch of luxury timelessness into your jewellery collection with my top three tips ā you'll soon have a collection fit for a royal!
If you would like to make a statement with your wardrobe, or would like support in how to create your own style statement, I offer a personal shopping service that will walk you through advice and support with finding the perfect shops and fashion accessories tailored to you.
PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE - THE PERFECT LITTLE BLACK DRESS FOR EVERY BODY SHAPE
If you are looking to find some inspiration for a special event coming up, looking for a stunning piece to wear for date night, or need some inspiration for how to make your Little Black Dress work for more than just special events, then read on for some go-to looks. Iāve been inspired myself by the recent Venice Film Festival and the looks of the stars.
An Autumn/Winter 2019 style update for finding your perfect dress!
Chanel said that a woman must have at least one little black dress in her wardrobe, and I completely agree. I truly believe that a little black dress is, indeed, a staple piece in every womanās wardrobe.
As the cooler weather sets in, new fashion trends are displayed into the stores! Now we have so many new designs and fabrics to choose from, you may feel a little overwhelmed with the choices you can make for this staple piece. Also, for so many of us, we believe that dresses are for evenings and special occasions only, but what if I tell you that this Autumn you can find the perfect Little Black Dress to suit your lifestyle and your body shape?
If you are looking to find some inspiration for a special event coming up, looking for a stunning piece to wear for date night, or need some inspiration for how to make your Little Black Dress work for more than just special events, then read on for some go-to looks. Iāve been inspired myself by the recent Venice Film Festival and the looks of the stars.
Take the LBD to a whole new level
Hourglass shapes
I love the idea of adding a little toughness to your dress, so this beautiful leather dress from Yves Salomon is a fantastic option for a more casual look for hourglass body shapes. Style it with biker boots and a jacket for a true biker-chic look, and then dress it up with long earrings, stilettos and tights to suit a special occasion. It works perfectly for hourglasses as it accentuates your beautiful small waist and shows off your balanced curves in a great way.
For a more evening-wear ready piece, we can take inspiration by Lady Kitty Spencer, who shows off her curves at the Venice Film Festivals in an elegant yet totally sexy dress ā the body-con style mixed with the beautiful overlapping of the fabrics truly draws the eye into her waist with the skirt just becoming a-line after skimming her hips. She has paired it with stunning emerald jewellery, but you can add a statement necklace or earrings to show off your shoulders and bring the eyes to your face.
Triangles (more often known as Pear Shapes)
This beautiful one-shoulder black dress by REISS is perfect for special events, or go all-out, like Barbara Palvin at the Venice Film Festival in this strapless full-length gownā it draws her in at the waist and enhances her natural curves perfectly. You can add a pop of colour with a clutch bag, matching stilettos and, why not a colourful belt to accentuate your waistline even more? You can also turn this into a more casual style with your hair up and flats, pairing it with a pair of jeans or leather jacket. This dress is great for pear shaped women also because the one-shoulder design will add some extra detail to their shoulders and skims across the hips.
Rectangular shapes
The shift dress is taking on a whole new style and this beautiful Ponte dress by John Lewis & Partners is an excellent choice for ladies with a more rectangular (straight waist) shape as it skims the body beautifully. With its little panel details that you can just see in the image below, it adds some definition to your body shape, creating an almost hourglass with the eye. This piece is a great staple as you can dress it up with the right accessories such as gold or silver statement earrings and a clutch; or dress it down with beautiful on-trend trainers and a denim jacket to take it to a more casual style. Its boat-shaped neckline will also pair magnificently with a long detailed (and why not colourful?!) necklace.
For a more demure look, this dress worn by Kate Upton is a great classic style, and one I often recommend. With its wrap-style it accentuates the waist, and has a very sexy slit at the legs!
For oval bodies
If you are looking for a great casual looking black dress for your wardrobe, as an oval shape, this stunning piece from AllSaints, is a great go-to style as itās added layers skim across your tummy and add a little definition to your top and lower halves. I love the addition of extra detailing on the arms which creates a more casual styling. With this LBD you can style it up with high heels and statement necklace; whilst you can rock it up with leather boots and a classic leather jacket.
To truly stand out, take a leaf from Eliza Scanlen and her beaded dress by Prada, that creates waist definition and complements the bodyās natural curves, giving an overall look of class and elegance.
Inverted Triangles
A great day-to-day dress for those of us with an inverted triangle shape is this multiway dress by Boden, particularly in a halter style, as they have styled it on the website, is great. The halterneck style is a go-to for inverted triangles as this particular neckline creates the optical illusion of smaller shoulders, that are typically wider than the hips.
With this dress it would be perfect for date night with the right accessories of high heeled boots or stilettos (whichever you prefer!) all the way to casual days out with trainers and a brightly coloured belt to really cinch in your waist!
If you are looking for more impact and in search of a real occasion dress, this dress worn by Chiara Ferragni is wonderful for inverted triangles as it adds volume to the bottom, balancing the body, it also elongates the top and define the waist. With this dress Iād let it speak for itself with its sparkle and wonderful design, add a pair of black heels and, if you want to truly shine, a statement pair of earrings and your hair up (or on the side as the beautiful Chiara did) to show off your shoulders.
Adding some colour
If black just isnāt your thing, and thatās totally fine ā many of us do not actually have the skintone for black ā then finding a dress in a colour that suits you is the right way to boost your confidence and have a dress youāll never want to slip out of! You can also do this with your accessories to brighten up the look, you can never go wrong with a colourful scarf, especially as the weather is cooling down, or create some colour blocking with colourful necklaces, shoes and bags.
If youāre inspired to try out a new LBD for your wardrobe, and would love some help to tackling this staple item, Iād love to help. I offer personal stylist services such as personal shopping, and wardrobe edits to help you take on your day to day activities with confidence.
Transformations in minutes ā Business Photoshoot Case Studies ā Angela Jarvis
Today I am sharing how I helped Angela Jarvis, who is a financial advisor who works in an office, with her environment requiring a formal dress code. To enable her to keep her style formal but workable, she tends to wear dresses or skirts and shirts, but no blazers, in either black or navy, with an aversion to yellow, orange and red. During our pre-session consultation, she stated the message she wanted to give at first sight would be approachable, friendly, and trustworthy.
In this series, I wanted to showcase the amazing women I recently worked with in a mini-styling and photoshoot session I co-hosted with a photographer in London. We worked together to help women in business use styling, make-up, and professional headshots for their companies.
Today I am sharing how I helped Angela Jarvis, who is a financial advisor who works in an office, with her environment requiring a formal dress code. To enable her to keep her style formal but workable, she tends to wear dresses or skirts and shirts, but no blazers, in either black or navy, with an aversion to yellow, orange and red. During our pre-session consultation, she stated the message she wanted to give at first sight would be approachable, friendly, and trustworthy.
What I suggested:
Prior to the session, I had a look through each of the womenās business websites, and shared suggestions for their upcoming photoshoot and make-up session, for Angela I suggested she wear something blue. Blue is the colour that evokes calm, trust and also suggests loyalty and integrity. As she advises people on their finances, I believed this would be the best colour for her headshot. I suggested she wear a blue dress, in a quite formal cut, as this is what she usually wears, and the picture needed to reflect this.
She shared pics of a few dresses and I asked her to take a couple with her to the photo session, she brought a casual and a more formal style.
I also asked her to wear something that, on the contrary, doesn't look right for her: a red top and a white blazer. On the day we took a few shots and here you can see how the right clothes have a huge impact on our attitude, and so the final results.
Where she feels more confident, she has a natural smile and expressions that are just lovely, in the red and white blazer, below, she looks too severe and tense.
In the more casual dress she just doesn't look as professional as she wants to, though the colour is still looking good on her.
And once again the directions of the photographer have been super important!
When you run a business, or have a team that see clients, you need to be able to portray their personality and brand values within moments, as I hope you can see, these little changes in colour and styling can make a huge difference to the image we give off. I loved being able to help Angela during this mini-corporate styling session and love the look of her final photo, what do you think?
PERSONAL SHOPPER ADVICE: ONLINE SHOPPING VS INSTORE SHOPPING - EXPERIENTIAL RETAIL
In this article I share some of the pros and cons of shopping online or instore, as well as the new trend hitting stores - Experiential Retail - and what that means for us as shoppers.
As our time becomes more and more precious, many of us are moving to more online shopping, whether itās for our home, office, or for our clothes, the benefits and perceived ease of shopping online have made a huge shift in customer experience, but what are the benefits?
I wanted to share a few of the pros and cons to taking ourselves out to a store, versus shopping through online sites and apps, as well as the new trends coming through to stores to make the in-store shopping experience completely different to what we may be used to.
Online shopping
The Benefits of Shopping Online:
With online shopping, it can be a huge benefit to your time when you are able to just pick and choose from a huge range of options. The likes of Asos, Jacamo, and other app-based retail stores can be truly enticing to those of us who have very busy lives. These online stores even have options like ānext day deliveryā and recommended items based on previous purchases you have made, which makes it almost feel like a personalised experience.
The Downfalls of Online Shopping:
Now, as a personal stylist, I see these benefits as an excellent source for my clients who need a specific item that they need urgently (such as for a last minute invitation to a dinner party), or for basic items they know fit and look great. Thatās where the big shift happens ā you cannot try these items on!
When you are purchasing from online stores you arenāt able to pick up a couple of sizes and try them on to see which one fits best, you just have to hope that the style will work to your figure and not let you down when the package arrives and you try on the purchases in your home. You may feel like trying on at home is a more comfortable option, and I completely understand this, but then you have to go through the returns process, adding more time-sapping excursions to your seemingly time-saving experience.
Shopping in-store
I have some good news for you - the old days of feeling caged in a tiny changing room, heating up as you go in and out of items you have picked up whilst walking through the store, have gone!
The Benefits of Shopping In-Store:
When you head to a retail store, you will not only be able to pick and choose from a great selection of items, but you will also be able to check if an item truly fits, and suits your figure. It also is a great place to be able to find new styles you may not have thought work on you, as you are seeing them hung on a hanger, rather than on a model that may have been photoshopped, when you see it online. Retail stores have a host of different sizing for you to choose from, and you can always ask an assistant for their support if you need to go up or down a size when trying on, rather than having to return an item and hope to receive another in a few days!
If you are going to a retail store, you will also usually have the benefit of being able to visit other stores nearby, as most shops in London are located on high streets with other alternative shops nearby, thus creating an experience that if you canāt find what you are looking for in one shop, there will be plenty of other options that you can try on. Then, when you are all shopped-out, you can visit your favourite cafĆ© for some time out to enjoy lunch ā one of my other favourite things to do!
The Downfalls of Shopping In-Store:
Although I have shared a good number of benefits of shopping in-store, there are, of course, some downfalls. The biggest is that we have to get to the shop to be able to get the clothes, whether you are heading to central London on a train, or have to drive and pay for parking, it does take out time from your day that you may not have had to spend shopping from your living room. Sometimes we need time out of the house, but if you are just not feeling going out to try on clothes and bringing bags back, then online shopping can be the answer, if you are in need of an item for a particular event.
One of the common misconceptions that I hear about shopping in-store is that they are not inviting, and this brings me ontoā¦
Fashion trends ā Experiential Retail
Technology and experience are coming a long way when it comes to retail shopping, and the new trend of experiential retail shopping is one I can truly get on board with. From retail stores using virtual mirrors that enable you to ātry onā a multitude of items without ever getting changed, to cafes and art being an integral part of retail stores to create a better experience for your shopping trip ā shops are working hard to ensure you are relaxed, taken care of, and your shopping experience is one you will want to take your time with.
I love seeing how stores are working to create a new vibe within their stores ā The House of Vans in London has created a location space within 30,000 square feet, which houses art, music, BMX, street culture and fashion together in one space that has a skate park, cinema, cafĆ©, live music venue and an art gallery. The space was designed by skaters, the Vansā ultimate target audience, and they have truly let the space speak for its fans. They host sessions for BMX riders, and customers are actively encouraged to walk in on the day. This space truly highlights how experiential retail is working to help retail brands and their customers have more than ājust a shopā.
Image via Skateparks
Itās not to say that we should expect skate parks or Afternoon Tea to be available in every shop we enter, but we can begin to see that our experiences when shopping are becoming more and more enjoyable. Retailers see that we want more from the stores we visit, no more warm changing rooms, terrible lighting, and terrible customer service. We want to be understood as customers, and when we enter our favourite store, we should not want to leave.
What do you prefer? Are you an online shop lover, or do you enjoy going to shops and trying on in-person? Iād love to hear from you! If you are worried about where to shop, or are having a wardrobe meltdown, Iād love to help build your confidence with a personal shopping session, this is a step into the world of shopping for yourself that will give you the knowledge and insight into shopping for your style and body shape.
PERSONAL STYLIST ADVICE: THE JEANS - A CROSSOVER PIECE IN EVERYONE'S WARDROBE - FROM LEISURE TO BUSINESS
How can you make your jeans work for the office and for leisure? I share my advice in this article, with some personal stylist tips that may seem small, but make a huge difference.
When you find that perfect pair, you just donāt want to ever take them off. You go out and buy them in every colour, and you keep them until they simply canāt be worn again. You got it, itās jeans. But can they be more than just a casual wardrobe essential, they can be a fantastic crossover piece to take you from leisure to business.
Quietly laughing from behind your screen? Let me share with you some stylist tips that might change your mind, and enable you to wear those jeans in new ways!
Itās all about the material
Jeans can have an array of different levels of lycra and cotton to make them less or more stiff. Now, if you are simply looking for comfortable lounge around jeans, then ones with higher lycra can be perfect, however, for the office, a higher cotton content or denim content will help to create a sturdier jean, enabling your jeans to not only look more high end, but also last longer.
If you are just getting used to the transition to stiffer jeans, make sure to wear them a few times before taking them to the office, particularly if you are using high-waisted jeans, that may get uncomfortable if you sit at a desk for a long time.
Colour!
Jeans come in a huge amount of colours, and these can make a big difference to not only on how they look on certain body types, but also how appropriate they are for the office. A deeper colour can definitely bring about a more corporate style to them, with a dark wash or even black jeans being my personal go-to for meetings. If you have a more relaxed work environment, then you can go lighter, but I do advise if you wish to wear your jeans at the office, then donāt go to light wash jeans, they are perfect for more casual outfits.
The shoes can make a big difference
A perfect pair of shoes can make a huge difference to how your jeans look with your outfit. If you have a beautiful pair of white trainers, a stiletto heel, laced up menās shoes, or a classic brogue, your jeans can be elevated to work perfectly from work to socialising!
Add a suit jacket or blazer
Adding a suit jacket or blazer can work wonders for a pair of denim jeans, and it can truly upgrade an outfit to more suitable for the office. If your office is more casual, but you have meetings to attend, keeping a selection of jackets at the office can be an excellent pre-curser for the need to make your outfit more suitable for business appropriate.
I hope some of these options have inspired you to potentially take your favourite pair of jeans to the office, and if you are looking for more tips on how to style yourself appropriately for a promotion, or new job role, Iād love to help with my corporate styling service. Many offices nowadays have less of an imposed formal attire requirement for employees, so keep an eye open for what others are wearing around the office and pull this as inspiration if you are worried about what is appropriate for the office.